Battle of Anghiari Overview

I recently finished this master copy of the Battle of Anghiari by Peter Paul Rubens In which I used the block in method that I recently learned from Ted Jacobs this past summer In France. When I say "Block in Method" I mean all measurements were done by eye (Which I highly recommend as it really builds your eye). I just wanted to share some of the insight that I learned from the entire process of completing this long term project. This wasn't so much for me to practice my abilities to copy something as accurately as I see it, although this was the underlying goal. My main goal of this master copy was to begin to understand the rhythms of the human form. As you may know I had the chance to study at Studio Escalier this past fall where I learned on establishing rhythms in the figure by one of the main instructors Timothy Stotz. When Stotz explained the rhythm of the form it was described as "the underlying poetry of the figure".

I also wanted to practice my skill level in establishing a strong composition with lots of drama and flair but to maintain the high energy without overwhelming the viewer. I feel I was successful in that regard as I have been able to take some of the information from this piece and have put it into practice by completing a wide variety of intense but clean compositions.

Now there are some unexpected things that I learned from this piece such as being able to mix graphite and white chalk to create soft and sharp edges (such as the armor on the figures and the feather on the figure to the far right) when needed, and to also help build a wider value range. This reminded me of the importance of establishing the 4 edges (Sharp, Hard, Soft, Lost) and building relationships within the image.

I am aware of an oil copy of this painting by the Italian Artist Lodovico so as my next step for this copy I will complete a master copy in oil. Although this might take some time as I am working on a portfolio for entry into John Pence Gallery in San Francisco.

To Recap:
-Used the block in method
-Relearned the value of establishing edges and values
-Relearned the importance of value ranges
-Have a stronger understanding of compositional rhythms
-Have a MUCH stronger understanding of the rhythms In the figure
-Will take this to the next phase with an oil copy as well

I have provided the final drawing with close ups at the bottom.

On another note I wanted to announce that In the first week of June I will be taking a workshop with Robert Liberace In drawing and painting the human figure. This will be my 3rd time studying with Rob who is an excellent instructor. It will be located at the Scottsdale Artists School in Scottsdale, Arizona. This would not be possible had I not won a scholarship with the school to study there. I want to extend my thanks to the school for making this possible.